Sept. 26, 2009 Magic

[BananasTwo]

Anyone ever do a basket from The Perfect Gift and Shirley? Worth it?

Deck chairs: I went and sought out an old thread and sheesh, people are so touchy. I would never imagine touching/moving anyone else's stuff. I'm cracking up though at those towels that some families had made that fit over a lounge chair and say, "Reserved for the ____ family". Love it. Wish I was that balsy.


Crystal: Cojones I have. I am Cuban after all!!! Did you get your FE ordered?

Pam: How did your FE come out? I adore mine!! I think I'll find a special place for it when we get home and use it throughout the year.

Boba: I added some of your completed to my To Dos. THANKS!! I hope I like the packing cubes. Just so anxious to get them so I can continue with the packing. I would love to say in 13 or 14 days that I'm all ready for the cruise.


Well, off to get a few things ready for school tomorrow. Back to the kindergarten humdrum and Paige starts preschool tomorrow and while that makes me I already have a huge list of to dos. The time will go by so quickly.

 

[Kborn]

Hey guys and girls....miss me?

I missed you guys, I keeping checking on ya'll, but just read.

Cruise is getting close...we tried to figure out a way of rebooking, but our daughter is about 20 months pregnant...Our first little ankle biter will be here any day.

Added a few new tats since I last talked...

Sorry about the size of the last one, did not resize it on photobucket...

I hope someone plans on writing a trip report, with LOTS OF PICS...

I will be watching ya'll via webcam leaving the port so everyone turn around and wave

I will check back before ya'll leave....

 

[Saoirse]

I've been sick for 4 months & finally found out that I have a massive sinus thing going on & need surgery. Sucks because the soonest he can do it is 9/17, so I'm cutting it close to vacation, but I'm really hoping that this will solve my problems so I'll feel good again - just in time for Mickey's boat!!!

Poor thing... if you can't make the cruise, Mom & Dad said they'd be happy to take your cabin. They'll leave you the keys to the minivan so you & the kids have a place to sleep for a week.

19 days from now, I plan to be very buzzed! Who's with me?

 

[fourgonefishn]

Hey guys and girls....miss me?

I missed you guys, I keeping checking on ya'll, but just read.

Cruise is getting close...we tried to figure out a way of rebooking, but our daughter is about 20 months pregnant...Our first little ankle biter will be here any day.

Added a few new tats since I last talked...

Sorry about the size of the last one, did not resize it on photobucket...

I hope someone plans on writing a trip report, with LOTS OF PICS...

I will be watching ya'll via webcam leaving the port so everyone turn around and wave

I will check back before ya'll leave....

Geez man, How many legs do you have!
no really sorry u can't make it.
fourgonefishn

 

[Disney Sweetie]

Pam: How did your FE come out? I adore mine!! I think I'll find a special place for it when we get home and use it throughout the year.

I am decorating mine myself....so right now it looks good but plain!! Now that the wedding is over I gotta get myself in high gear to be ready for the cruise in time!!

19 days from now, I plan to be very buzzed! Who's with me?

I will be watching ya'll via webcam leaving the port so everyone turn around and wave

I will check back before ya'll leave....

We will all move to the edge and wave.... .... Just hope the ship does not tip over like on "POC" when we all run to the same side....

Maybe we can just make a banner and hang it off the railing.....

 

[Crystal_27]

Well I survived the wedding and it was BEAUTIFUL!!!!

Awwww, I'm so glad that it went well and was as beautiful as you had hoped.

Anybody who can help me out?

Sorry, Hon, I can't help you out there. Our cruise documents haven't arrived as of yet. Hopefully, you'll get some answers soon!!

The people running the excursion have messed up my reservation. They claim that I booked the wrong date. I showed them proof in the form of a confirmation email from them that I did indeed book the correct date; but they refuse to accept this proof.

We are thinking about cancelling but if there are a bunch of you in the second group we may stay. Let me know asap. Thanks guys!

Pam, They emailed bigferrell yesterday regarding the whole fiasco. One of the main reasons for being so excited was to have a group of Dis friends to do it with. It is a surprise for our dd(14) birthday--her birthday is that day--and sftnslky's daughters were going as well at 8:40 so that would have been so much more fun for our daughter!

OH NO! I think that we booked our trip the same day you guys did, so I'll reconfirm tomorrow and let you know. That stinks, stinks, stinks!!
Do you think there's anything they can do? They freakin' took your deposit for that timeslot, and I think that they need to figure something out. Uggggg - - I'm so sorry!!

I've been sick for 4 months & finally found out that I have a massive sinus thing going on & need surgery. Sucks because the soonest he can do it is 9/17, so I'm cutting it close to vacation, but I'm really hoping that this will solve my problems so I'll feel good again - just in time for Mickey's boat!!!

Here's hoping for a very speedy recovery for you!!

Anyone ever do a basket from The Perfect Gift and Shirley? Worth it?

Deck chairs: I went and sought out an old thread and sheesh, people are so touchy. I would never imagine touching/moving anyone else's stuff. I'm cracking up though at those towels that some families had made that fit over a lounge chair and say, "Reserved for the ____ family". Love it. Wish I was that balsy.

Crystal: Cojones I have. I am Cuban after all!!! Did you get your FE ordered?

Ana, I did get my FE ordered...Tiffany was so sweet about it too. It didn't even faze her about the timetable (although I did do some namedropping of those on our cruise who had ordered from her - LOL). And, that's so sweet of you to offer to email me the journal that you prepared. If you really don't mind, that would be wonderful. We're actually doing a scrapbook (naturally, right?? LOL) for Ansley to present to the class, but we can always use the extra brownie points...that is, if her teacher takes the news well tomorrow. I'll let you know how I fare with that. Cross your fingers for me!!

And, yes, I have ordered from Shirley at The Perfect Gift. We ordered the large sandbucket for Ansley and it came out cute. I think that there were 2 water bottles, goldfish crackers, glow necklaces, a couple bags of candy, and other goodies. This time, however, I think I'm going to hit the Dollar Store and make my own, and find out a way to sneak it to our room just because it was $75 when all was said and done, and even thought it was super cute, I think I can make one for a fourth of that cost.

And, about the deck chairs, you would really be surprised at how rude some people are about leaving their stuff on the chairs for hours and hours on end. The Navigators specificly forbid seat saving in the theaters and at the pool. It only took us a couple days during our last cruise before we would move people's stuff from chairs that looked vacant for more than 5 minutes, just as we would expect people to move our stuff if our chairs were vacant for more than 5 minutes - - it becomes like a natural ebb and flow. It's really not as bad as those threads make it sound, I promise. And, if anyone gives you a hard time, just refer them to the Navigators...every day the same message prohibiting seat saving is on there. You are in the right on that issue if you move their crap!

Added a few new tats since I last talked...

I will be watching ya'll via webcam leaving the port so everyone turn around and wave

I will check back before ya'll leave....

Awwwww, great new tats!! Hopefully things are well with the Academy??


Guys, I'm sorry for the fly-by posting (I know I missed a lot) but Randy and I have been super busy trying to get some stuff done for the cruise (this is what we get for waiting until the last minute - LOLOLOLOL). I can't believe we're another weekend down!!

 

[kpadalik]

Ana, you will LOVE the packing cubes. I've packed my DD and I into two large cubes for our weekend trip to grandma's. They are the best thing in the world. I am now trying to fit both of us into a large duffel bag.

I'm thinking of buying a set. Which ones should I buy? I don't know how I'm packing yet and I don't want to measure my suitcases. Should I just buy a variety/value pack?

Anyone ever do a basket from The Perfect Gift and Shirley? Worth it?

I've never done a basket from Shirley, but I've never read anything bad about them! Everyone says they are wonderful and the pics look great too! Me, I have just been collecting stuff for my girls over the past year. I'm doing my own baskets and will bring them in our carryon so they can have them as soon as we get to our room!

 

[BananasTwo]

Keith!!! Great to hear from you! So sorry you couldn't find a way to make it. Love the new tats!! You grandkids r going to love you!!!


Pam...so Tiffany just makees you a blank FE? Do u pick colors or anything? Can't wait to see it.


Crystal: what kind of FE did you order...like pre-embroidered or do u decorate urs too? PM me ur email address and I will send the journal. Nice on the scrapbook though. Good luck on another week of kindergarten. Corbin was melting down by week's end last week so here is hoping he has a better time adjusting this week!

Laminating instead of using magnetic paper for door magnets. Do I just go to Kinkos or like Staples?

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

Thanks for the tip on the packing cubes. I ordered some & am way excited to get them!!! It's starting to feel like vacation!!

I've been sick for 4 months & finally found out that I have a massive sinus thing going on & need surgery. Sucks because the soonest he can do it is 9/17, so I'm cutting it close to vacation, but I'm really hoping that this will solve my problems so I'll feel good again - just in time for Mickey's boat!!!

Hope all goes well and you are up and about within no time again!


Keith; welcome back. Love the tats, especially the one with Hook and Peter. The one of Donald makes me think of bubblegum though. Guess I've been brainwashed since that same pick was on bubblegum all the time when I was a child.

 

[FatCat]

Awwww,
And, about the deck chairs, you would really be surprised at how rude some people are about leaving their stuff on the chairs for hours and hours on end.

If you move my cooler you can take a cold one as a gratuity

 

[Crystal_27]

Crystal: what kind of FE did you order...like pre-embroidered or do u decorate urs too? PM me ur email address and I will send the journal. Nice on the scrapbook though. Good luck on another week of kindergarten. Corbin was melting down by week's end last week so here is hoping he has a better time adjusting this week!

Laminating instead of using magnetic paper for door magnets. Do I just go to Kinkos or like Staples?

Ana, first of all, try not to worry (much) about Corbin's adjustment to Kindergarten. Believe me, we've been going through our own growing pains here too (which still surprises me given that Ansley's mostly been a daycare kid). He'll get into a groove and will be fine. I'm sending some for a great week!!

About the FE, we ordered one with different colored solid pockets, with the embroidered Mickey and Minnies on each pocket, customized with our names. We did a pirate Mickey for DH, Minnie for me, and princess Minnie for Ansley. We wanted a 4-pocket FE, and since there are only 3 of us, we asked that the DCL logo be placed on the last pocket. I can't wait to see how it turns out!!!

About the laminating, I've read that you can do one of two things. Take it to Kinkos/Staples *or* you can buy a Xyron machine that does laminating and make it that way. The Xyron machines will cost anywhere from $70-140, but you can usually find a 40% or 50% off coupon and get them close to half price. Still, the cartridges for the machines are like $30, so it's definitely cheaper to go the Kinkos/Staples route (although, I guess if you *really* like to laminate stuff, maybe the Xyron would feed your need?).

So, now I have to share how my morning went with telling Ansley's teacher about our vacation. First off, I got up at 6:30 this morning and agonized over a letter to her principal. I actually think I mastered the firm - yet humbled - approach. So, I walked into Ansley's teacher's class and proceeded to tell her that we were taking Ansley out of school for a week to go on vacation. I seriously could have hugged her when she asked me if I was going to Disney, and when I told her it was a Disney cruise, she seemed excited for us. She told me that, as parent, she totally understands and would do the same, and she also informed me of what I should expect in terms of repercussions from the school. The attendance policy really isn't as bad as the school policies make it sound. Essentially, I'll get a letter from the school, and a referral to the counselor and the principal (which I think is more for unexplained absences). However, because we gave the principal a written notice, I guess we'll just be "on warning" for the rest of the year. I don't much care about what the school thinks of me, and I'm relieved that her teacher seems cool with it. I wish I would have told her sooner now...I've been so worried!!

Well, I hope that everyone is having a great day so far.

 

[Crystal_27]

If you move my cooler you can take a cold one as a gratuity

Oh, FatCat, don't you know that I'll be stalking your cooler and waiting for you to leave it unattended...I know you are only going to be filling it with the good stuff.

 

[DisneyMom2008]

I turned in the letter last week for my DD and the school was fine (she is in 5th grade). Today I am turning in a letter for my DS who is in 7th grade so I am a little nervous. The form I filled out states that vacations can not extend 5 days. Our trip is only 5 school days because they have a institute day while on the cruise, so that helps!! Now I just hope that the teachers will allow him to make up all of the work.

 

[Fire14]

About the FE, we ordered one with different colored solid pockets, with the embroidered Mickey and Minnies on each pocket, customized with our names. We did a pirate Mickey for DH, Minnie for me, and princess Minnie for Ansley. We wanted a 4-pocket FE, and since there are only 3 of us, we asked that the DCL logo be placed on the last pocket. I can't wait to see how it turns out!!!

About the laminating, I've read that you can do one of two things. Take it to Kinkos/Staples *or* you can buy a Xyron machine that does laminating and make it that way. The Xyron machines will cost anywhere from $70-140, but you can usually find a 40% or 50% off coupon and get them close to half price. Still, the cartridges for the machines are like $30, so it's definitely cheaper to go the Kinkos/Staples route (although, I guess if you *really* like to laminate stuff, maybe the Xyron would feed your need?).

On FE front: I had Tiffany make both ours and Jodi's. I requested eeyore and friends with eeyore on top for ours and let her pick colors. Jodi's I requested 4 diff pluto's and picked a light blue to complment pluto and a lavender trim as purple is Jodi's fav color. They both came out great.

ON laminating front:
I bought a Scotch laminator at Walmart for 25.00, bought laminator sleeves at same time and noticed as I was walking thru store that I got rebate on 8.5 pkg of 5.00 for buying laminator and sheets. I've even had to go buy more laminating sheets because I needed more but it works great. I was orignally going to ask to use works laminator and buy sheets but for 25.00 it was worth me getting own.

 

[haileyboo]

Laminating instead of using magnetic paper for door magnets. Do I just go to Kinkos or like Staples?

I have a laminator & love it. We laminate the kids artwork to make calendars & such. I've had it for years so I don't know prices though.

I bought the magnetic sheets to feed through the printer, but I'm having a tough time with them, so I may go ahead & laminate door magnets & do it that way.

I hope things go well with Paige starting preschool. I was a mess the first day, but now I really, really enjoy 'my' time! Good luck!

 

[Disney Sweetie]

Pam...so Tiffany just makees you a blank FE? Do u pick colors or anything? Can't wait to see it.

Yep....I always pick out the colors and have her make it plain. I do my own decorating because I use a them depending on the cruise.... We did Leissa and Charlies with a wedding theme. Now I got to get started on decorating mine!!!

 

[NutzaboutDisney]

Hey guys and girls....miss me?

Cruise is getting close...we tried to figure out a way of rebooking, but our daughter is about 20 months pregnant..

I will check back before ya'll leave....

Hey Kborn; good to hear from you! Congrats on the soon to be ankle biter!

However, because we gave the principal a written notice, I guess we'll just be "on warning" for the rest of the year. I don't much care about what the school thinks of me, and I'm relieved that her teacher seems cool with it.

Crystal, did you ask for a copy of the "warning" in TB's file so you can scrap it???? It is a relief to know all is okay on the school front!

Our trip is only 5 school days because they have a institute day while on the cruise, so that helps!! Now I just hope that the teachers will allow him to make up all of the work.

Lucky you!!! Our trip is 10 days off. What in the world was I thinking??? Ahhh, free dining at WDW--can't seem to ever pass it by! I, too, am hoping we get at least SOME of the work ahead of time so we can work on it during the lovely 15 hour drive!

We did Leissa and Charlies with a wedding theme. Now I got to get started on decorating mine!!!

Cool!


Well, the honeymoon has officially ended here! Got a call from Kelan's special ed teacher about an incident this morning. He's in the "care room" and it looks like I'll be attending a conference very soon!!! Grrrrr, that's what happens when people don't take you seriously and do things their own way.

On the + side, I am marking things off of my "to do" list this morning, and my homeschooling girl is having a FANTASTIC day!!!

Stressed out? Yes. Thankful for the little things? You Bet!!!

 

[haileyboo]

For the people that are flying in the night before the cruise & staying at a non-Disney hotel, is anyone using Disney transportation to get to the port? If so, how? Are you going back to the airport to catch the bus?

I'm having a very tough time - I booked a room at the All Star Sports only to find out that DCL doesn't pick up from there. We could take a shuttle to AKL then catch the bus there, but then we've got luggage to deal with too.

I'm thinking that it was a mistake to transfer my cruise ressie to Costco Travel. I've spent all morning on the phone & am getting SOOOOOOO frustrated. Anyway, I would really like to know how everyone is getting to the port. I know I could rent a car.......

Thanks for any info!!!

 

[Disney Sweetie]

For the people that are flying in the night before the cruise & staying at a non-Disney hotel, is anyone using Disney transportation to get to the port? If so, how? Are you going back to the airport to catch the bus?

I'm having a very tough time - I booked a room at the All Star Sports only to find out that DCL doesn't pick up from there. We could take a shuttle to AKL then catch the bus there, but then we've got luggage to deal with too.

I'm thinking that it was a mistake to transfer my cruise ressie to Costco Travel. I've spent all morning on the phone & am getting SOOOOOOO frustrated. Anyway, I would really like to know how everyone is getting to the port. I know I could rent a car.......

Thanks for any info!!!

I am staying at the Fairfield Inn at the Airport and will take the hotel shuttle back to the airport in the morning and then get on the DCL bus to the port. I have done this before and it works out well.

 

[Disney Sweetie]

Kim are we still planning on meeting in your cabin on September 27 after the cabin tours for "snacks"??